A study with data from a Gallup World Poll and the University of Kansas has found that humans are by nature optimistic. The sampling came from 140 countries including more than 150,000 adults. Eighty-nine percent of individuals worldwide expect the next five years to be as good or better than their current life, and 95 percent expect their life in five years to be as good or better than their life was five years ago. For more information, go to www.gallup.com.

Shredded tires as a cushing material on playgrounds are popular, including used by the Obamas on their White House playground equipment. But the EPA is rethinking its endorsement of the material. According to EPA documents released by PEER (Public Employees for Environmental Responsibilities), the agency admits more research is needed on the safety of the millions of pounds of tires that are recycled into ground rubber called tire crumb. Toxic materials found on the surface of the crumb include heavy metals and dyes, particulates, fibers, volatile organic compounds and latex. Additional information can be found at www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/outdoors/synthetic_turf/crumb.

Volunteers and docents are needed at the National Archives at Kansas City, which recently re-located near the Union Station at 400 W. Pershing Rd. Docents serve as greeters in the exhibit galleries and will be on hand to answer questions about the National Archives and touring exhibits. Volunteers are needed to assist in the Genealogy Research Room; basic Internet and computer skills are necessary. Information meetings are scheduled for both positions: June 10, 9 am, June 27, 10 am and July 9 at 2 pm. For more information, call 816-268-8000 or email kansascity.archives@nara.gov.

Point Topic reports that broadband prices are 37.5% lower than last year in France, Germany, the UK and Asia — just about everywhere except the United States. Point Topic blames lack of competition in the U.S. for broadband and cable prices remaining higher.

The Westport Flea Market is hosting a "Burgers and Beer" fundraiser to benefit Newhouse Shelter on June 12. For $20, it's all the burgers, a side and draft beer you can eat. Space is limited; for reservations call 816-462-0502.

The U.S. government now has an official channel on YouTube featuring more than 200 videos from 25 agencies, including health and nutrition videos. Go to www.youtube.com/USGovernment.

The Master Gardner hotline (816-833-TREE [8733]) is open from 9 am-3 pm, Monday through Friday. Volunteers will staff the hotline to answer questions from the public through Oct. 30. The University of Missouri Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City will also answer questions and accept plant and insect specimens to identify and diagnose from 1-4 pm, Wednesdays thru Oct. 30, at the MU Extension Center in Platte County, 11724 NW Plaza Circle, Ste. 300. For directions, call 816-270-2141. For more information about becoming a Master Gardener, call 816-252-5051.

Harvester's Chefs Classic gourmet gala is June 28 in which three of Kansas City's finest chefs accepted Harvesters' Chefs Challenge to create dishes using canned fish and other ingredients. The chefs are Debbie Gold of the American Restaurant; Colby Garrelts of Bluestem and Ted Habiger of Room 39. Tickets are $250 with proceeds to benefit the hungry. Call 816-929-3010 or go to www.harvesters.org.

KC Organics Natural Market is every Saturday through Oct. 17 at Minor Park on Red Bridge Road. Locally grown produce, free-range eggs and more are available. For more information, go to www.kcorganics.com.

The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival is seeking submissions for its 7th Annual event, Feb. 12-21, 2010, in Missoula, MT. For more information, go to www.bigskyfilmfest.org.

ONGOING RESOURCES

The Mid-America Regional Council has launched a web site to allow people with little or no health insurance, social service agencies and health care providers to easily access information about free or low-cost health care services in the Kansas City region. A complimentary booklet, the Health Resource Guide, is also available. For more information, go to www.kchealthresource.org or www.marc.org/healthinitiative.

If you're having trouble making your mortgage payments, visit www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/foreclosure/default.htm for a list of resources to help keep your home.

One-half of all new HIV infections are estimated to be among people under the age of 25; one-fourth in people under 21. The Kansas City Free Health Clinic, 3515 Broadway, is making it easier and more comfortable for those under 25 to get an HIV test at the clinic. On Mondays nights the youth-friendly The City (Counseling, Information & Testing for Youth) staff will be on hand from 5 to 8 PM for the FREE walk-in rapid HIV test, which takes 20 minutes. For more information, visit www.kcfree.org.

Free annual credit reports — three reports free every 12 months — are available by first going to www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre34.shtm or call 877-322-28228 for more information.

Worried about your FDIC-insured account amid the bank failures? For information about how FDIC works, what is not covered and what happens when a bank fails, go to www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnsum08;index.htm.

Yes, the government can do some things right. USA.gov's link to the Cheapest Gas Prices can be found at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/gasprices/states/index.shtml.

Many Jackson County women may be eligible for free breast and cervical cancer screenings through the Missouri Show Me Healthy Women program. Income and age guidelines to qualify. Call 1-800-422-6237 and select option 1, or call 816-858-3740 or visit www.dhss.mo.gov/BreastCervCancer/Eligibility.html.

Consumer Recall information on toys, cars and other products can be found at www.recalls.gov.

Developed by the Mid-America Regional Council and partially funded by the Missouri Dept. of Natural Resources, www.RecycleSpot.org is the one-stop spot to find recycling information for the entire Kansas City area. For a limited time, residents can get a Free Safe Alternatives Kit by going to the web site and taking a survey about hazardous household products.